The Oregon Natural Desert Association has appointed a new executive director.

On Wednesday, the Bend-based environmental nonprofit named Ryan Houston, who previously worked as the executive director of the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, to the position.

The nonprofit organization’s news release notes that Houston has 20 years of experience in the environmental sector and deep connections to the desert. Houston studied desert ecology at the University of Arizona. Since moving to Bend, he’s spent time exploring the desert lands of Central and Eastern Oregon.

Houston replaces Brent Fenty, who spent more than a decade in the role, according to the release.